Revealed: 2018 Buick Regal GS

Shortly after leaking out, Buick has decided to go ahead and make the 2018 Regal GS official. Today the brand formally revealed the car, which appears to be a step above the previous GS model in terms of performance thanks to a V-6 engine.

It isn’t often we get to write about an automaker bringing back or adding a V-6 engine offering to a midsize sedan, but we can say it today. After disappointing many fans last time around by offering the Regal GS with a turbo four, Buick is mending fences this time by bringing the 3.6-liter V-6 to the GS. The V-6 will hammer out 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. This sizable increase in power is going to flow through a new nine-speed automatic transmission – no manual option this time.

Regal GS’ power will hit the pavement via all four wheels with a new intelligent, twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that works in conjunction with a new version of Regal’s Continuous Damper Control and Interactive Drive Control systems. Combined, the systems provide various modes to change the car’s behavior, including the “GS” mode that made the previous version of the car famous.

“With the all-new 2018 Regal GS, we set out to make a driver-focused, engaging and entertaining sport sedan without sacrificing the smooth ride and refined character expected of any modern Buick,” said Martin Hayes, chief engineer for the Buick Regal GS. “Our new V-6 and nine-speed transmission, intelligent AWD and CDC all work to deliver excellent driving performance.”

From a design perspective, the GS treatment is not unlike the previous Regal GS. New vertical “fangs” highlight an exterior design that features more aggressive traits like a darkened grille and subtle body kit. The Regal’s Brembo brakes also feature red calipers to remind folks this isn’t grandma’s Buick.

Inside Buick has upped the ante a bit as well. While the old Regal GS featured sport seats that were not that unique, the new one is featuring AGR-certified performance seats that offer cooling, heat and massage functionality. They also look far more aggressive than the old version. Unique trim pieces and a flat-bottom steering wheel round out the interior differences over the base Regal Sportback.

We also already know the price difference. Buick says the 2018 Regal GS will start at $39,990 (with destination charges). While that’s a $14,000 premium over the regular Regal, there’s really no disputing that on paper the new GS is probably a remarkable value. We look forward to testing this one out.

About Nick Saporito

AutoVerdict Senior Editor Nick Saporito began writing about cars at age 13. Nick ran a couple of automotive enthusiast sites for several years, before taking some time off to focus on his career and education. By day he's a marketing executive in the telecom world and by night he hangs out here at AV. You'll find him focusing on tech, design and the industry's future.

I love the blue color that is on the Euro market GS. Too bad it isn't available in the US. Also my heart broke a little bit. I was really hoping the 3.0TT V6 with 400HP 400lb/ft from the CT6 would be in this. Although at just under $40k and the mandatory Buick incentives that will come it should be a pretty good bargain.

They've regressed. Flappy paddles are completely counter-intuitive on any car whose design intent is to entertain the driver. It's appalling on the Nissan Maxima, and correlates with the 4DSC's increased lack priority for being a driver's car with every generation. Same with the new push button on the 9 speed Acura TLX .

It's especially foolish in cars that already have a traditional gear selector on the console at the driver's right hand. That's something Toyota would do. The only thing worse is Chevrolet's "+/-" button on the top of the gear shift, although GMC's new Terrain seems to be trying very hard to top that. At least Chevrolet isn't stuffing a CVT in every car they make like Subaru and Nissan are.

I can forgive Buick or Lincoln for having something like that on comfort-focused cars like the Enclave, LaCrosse, Continental, or MKZ....but it would be a huge disappointment on cars like the Volvo S60 T5, Mazda6, Infiniti Q50, or Buick Regal GS.

Keep in mind that many magazine writers/testers pan paddle shifters because many automakers use cheap materials. I wouldn't use paddle shifters if they felt like they would break after 5 uses.

That's true. As much as I have ragged on FCA for many things one thing they get right is metal paddles which I have played with on rentals. The only thing with metal for the most part is they aren't illuminated.